Astros raising prices is a slap in the face

Just a day after players began reporting to Spring Training in Kissimmee, the Astros announce new increases in ticket prices for the 2011 season. Considering how terrible the team has been and the pathetic turnout of fans for most of 2010 season, the increase in prices is a slap in the face to those fans who stuck with the team despite their crummy 76-86 record.

Chronicle baseball writer Zachary Levine says in his story:

Astros single-game tickets will go on sale this Friday at 9 a.m. with ticket prices up $1-$3 in all but the least expensive sections sold on a single-game basis and consistent in the $7 outfield deck.

Here are the new price ranges:

First level: $27-$56

Second level: $21-$58

Third level: $7-$23

Club I seats (second level behind home plate): Increase from $55 to $58

The price changes might be subtle, but that’s not the point. Last season, Astros owner Drayton McLane took a hit because of the drop in the games’ attendance average. According to baseball-reference.com, an average of 28,784 people attended each game in 2010. During the 2009 season (74-88) when the team’s payroll was the highest it’s ever been ($102,996,414) but losses were bountiful, the average was 31,124 people at each game. That number is lower than the 2008 season during which the Astros enjoyed their last winning record (86-75). No need to question whether or not there is a trend. You go to games when the product on the field is worth watching.

Since the Astros are coming off a dreadful season, the organization should be doing everything to bring in more fans to Minute Maid Park. Instead, they’re asking for more money from those fans who actually attend games. Maybe it’s just a few dollars, but the price increases are insulting. But go ahead, Astros, raise your prices, but at least give us something better to watch in the meantime.